In fact, with roster spots at a premium due to the pending UFC and WEC merger, Cerrone considers the Thursday night contest to be one of the most important of his career.

Cerrone badly wants to claim victory over Horodecki and guarantee himself a spot in the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization. From there, Cerrone eyes opportunities from 145 pounds on up to 170, and Jose Aldo, Nate Diaz and Cole Miller are just a few of the names on his to-do list.

“I plan to make waves in the UFC,” Cerrone said. “This is my last WEC fight, so I want to get this fight over as fast as I can and go on to the UFC.”

Cerrone fought most recently in September, when he defeated arch rival Jamie Varner via unanimous decision. The one-sided victory was one of the best performances of Cerrone’s career. While he still has choice words for Varner, Cerrone said he’s not necessarily pining for a third fight with him – though he’ll certainly never turn down a chance to punch Varner in the face.

“I finally got what I asked for and went out there and did everything I said I was going to do,” Cerrone said. “I feel like the drama with that part is over. The beef with [Varner] as a person, is he still a bitch? Yes, he is. I’m still glad to say that. So, if we meet again, we will. If not, whatever.”

Instead of prioritizing the trilogy match with Varner, Cerrone eyes a potential drop to 145 pounds and a shot at Brazilian phenom Aldo.

“I’d like to make 145 (pounds),” Cerrone told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). “I’d like to fight Aldo. That would be an awesome fight to just stand up and throwdown with him.”

Of course, “Cowboy” admits the cut to featherweight wouldn’t necessarily be easy, so he might instead make a move in the opposite direction for another intriguing potential fight.

“I want to fight Nate Diaz,” Cerrone said. “He’s at 170 (pounds), so I might go up there for one fight and chase him down. That would be a good fight, and I’ve heard a lot of people talking about that. I think it would be a good time.”

Then again, Cerrone said he has an axe to grind in his natural weightclass, as well, so he might be just as happy to remain at 155 pounds.

“Cole Miller is the first [target at lightweight],” Cerrone said. “He beat Leonard Garcia years ago, when I only had a couple of fights. I remember him being kind of cocky, and I was like, ‘I got you, bro. I’m coming through the ranks, and one day I’m going to get you.’ Cole Miller is who I plan on coming after.”

The 27-year-old Cerrone has earned “Fight of the Night” honors in three of his past four WEC outings, and he’s taken home that bonus in five of his eight total bouts for the promotion. And despite just a 3-3 record in his past six fights, Cerrone’s fan-friendly style would seem a perfect fit for the UFC. Nevertheless, the Greg Jackson disciple isn’t taking anything for granted.

“I feel like I’m on the chopping block,” Cerrone said. “I’m not a guaranteed UFC fighter. I’m a WEC fighter, and this is my last payday. I think I need to go out there and let Dana White know this is where I want to be and this is what I plan on doing and go and make a spectacularly fashioned ass whipping.”

For the latest on WEC 53, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

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